News

The U.S. Postal Service wants to raise rates on first-class stamps from 55 cents to 58 cents as part of a host of price hikes and service changes designed to reduce debt for the beleaguered agency. The request for the changes, which would take effect Aug. 29, was filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission. It includes price hikes for first-class …

Glen Oaks Community College received word this week that Bruce R. Swinburne, the founding dean of the college, passed away in late May. Being from out of state, I first heard the name Bruce Swinburne associated with Glen Oaks in 2015 when we were putting together a 50th anniversary video of the historical beginnings of the college. A small number …

A Marcellus man shot by his father last week has died. Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke said 29-year-old Cody Gonder died Saturday, three days after he and his father, Russell Gonder, 55, were involved in a fight. Deputies were called around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday to the 11000 block of Van Buren Street in Marcellus Township in regards to a shooting …

A 34-year-old Sturgis woman and a 12-year-old passenger in her vehicle were hospitalized following a two-vehicle accident last week in Nottawa Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly before 10 a.m. Saturday to the intersection of Nottawa and Findley roads. Investigators said a 23-year-old man from Naperville, Ill., was driving east on Findley Road and crossed Nottawa Road …

April’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County dropped by three-tenths of a percent from March. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget was released last week. It showed St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 4.9 percent in March to 4.6 percent in April. The rate was 28.9 percent a year earlier, as April …

Vaccination level in St. Joseph County reached 40 percent last week. Meanwhile, in Branch and Hillsdale counties, the number of eligible recipients remains below 40 percent. The percentage of eligible residents vaccinated by May 24 was 40 for St. Joseph County, 39.7 for Branch County and 36.2 in Hillsdale County. St. Joseph County experienced the greatest increase in vaccinations over …

State Rep. Steve Carra recently introduced a resolution calling for services to remain accessible to the public at Michigan Secretary of State offices. Carra said the appointment system does not work for everyone, especially someone who needs services on short notice. He added that if secretary of state offices do not resume a walk-in option, then the appointment system should …

St. Joseph County commissioners plan to interview candidates interested in serving on the advisory board that oversees Commission on Aging. During the county commission’s executive committee meeting Wednesday, county administrator Teresa Doehring said five of the six have expressed interest in returning for another term. She has not heard from the sixth person. Terms of six current board members expire …

A motorcycle was stolen from a Lockport Township residence Thursday. State police troopers were called to the 18000 block of M-60, where a 2002 Yamaha YZFR1 motorcycle, black in color, was reported stolen. It was taken from a driveway shortly after midnight, authorities said.

A Marcellus man is in critical condition after he was shot by his father earlier this week. Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday to the 11000 block of Van Buren Street in Marcellus Township. Investigators said Russell Gonder, 55, and his 29-year-old son, Cody, were involved in a fight. During the confrontation, the …